Fundraiser to benefit officers charged in Freddie Gray's death

'Baltimore Riot 2015' T-shirt fundraiser not supported by FOP

Riots broke out in response to the police in-custody death of Freddie Gray. The six officers charged have been suspended without pay and that has inspired a fundraiser for the officers' families. Organizers are selling T-shirts for $25.

Riots broke out in response to the police in-custody death of Freddie Gray. The six officers charged have been suspended without pay and that has inspired a fundraiser for the officers' families. Organizers are selling T-shirts for $25.

There is a depiction of a brick with the words "Baltimore Riot 2015: The Battle of Mondawmin." But trying to capitalize on the saddest days in Baltimore's modern history is rubbing a lot of people the wrong way.

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"It's not the right message. I don't think so at all. They could do a lot better and for $25? Listen, I think you should think about what you did before you did it," John Lawson said.

Baltimore resident Kim Lawson said the incident should not be used to raise money.

"No, I don't think so," Lawson said. "Whether it was for the cops or the people that did it. I don't think money should be raised based on that whole incident."

A spokesperson for Baltimore City Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 3 said, "The FOP has no direct involvement with the fundraiser. The FOP has nothing to do with the design or production of the T-shirt and to date has not received any money from it."

"I just think it's unfortunate that they would try to benefit from such a tragedy. I live right here. To me and people who live in this neighborhood, it was very traumatic to us, and it was something that we will remember forever. For them to benefit and make money, I understand that they are in need, but that was just a tragic event," Baltimore City resident Nzinga Hutchinson said.